Sixth blog entry – Week of August 3rd
This class was a challenge. It was also great because of the fact that it was online and inquiry based. To me this means that I was granted the opportunity to struggle to find out what inquiry based meant to me, rather than being told. I’m certain it will make me a better teacher, and better able to not be frightened off by the unknown. I have also learned more about the computer. In fact, I am now able to control technology in ways I was not able to before.
While I felt at times that it was too overwhelming and demanding, maybe even too much so, I now know a bit better what many of my students may feel. While there are aspects of the class I will try to implement immediately, such as my sampler site on our science fair’s rules, regulations, and formats. Perhaps the biggest thing I learned is what inquiry is. In practice, I must be able to have the students explain why things mean what they do and turn it into information and even other inquiry based questions.
This class has taught me that I need to slow things down and try to handle each task, one at a time, make sure I understand what I’m doing, and more importantly, WHY I’m doing it. If it was challenging to me as an adult, I must try to think of it from the mind-frame of an 11 year old. This will certainly be a challenge. Instead of focusing on how frustrated they become, I must try to be explicit in my directions, facilitate conversation, and create learning. For these lessons, thank you.
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Todd-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. When things got overwhelming, I would take it one task at a time - kind of like a checklist. There are many students who feel like this all of the time. Breaking down the tasks is so helpful. I love your webquest and want to steal it for next year. Hope that is OK. I'm sure our paths will cross.
Ellen
Todd-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you as well. I also needed the struggle to learn to be a better teacher. I was intimidated by webquests and now I'm excited to include them where ever I can. I AM a technology teacher who is now less hesitant to use new technologies, even if they are only new to me.
This class was quite the challenge. However, I to have a better understanding of what inquiry is and a broader understanding of what my students feel when being introduced to a new program or concept. I will take your lead and slow down for my students. I will try harder to put myself in their shoes and promote deeper conversation.
Good Job on your web site and I hope tp see you in class together again.
Anne P